Overview

Historic Homes for Sale in Nelson County, VA

Nelson County is a pristine location in Central Virginia, situated in the northwestern section of the state and only a few minutes away from Charlottesville and Waynesboro. Originally part of Amherst County, Nelson County was developed in 1807 and was named after the third governor of Virginia, Thomas Nelson Jr.
The county seat, Lovingston, is a nationally recognized historic site in Virginia for its 225-acre designated historic district that encompasses several contributing buildings and sites that have been distinguished on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places since 2005. The county’s rich tradition and exceptional geographical features will undoubtedly draw the attention of potential investors in the region. If you would like to learn more about Nelson County, please do not hesitate to contact our team, and we would be happy to assist you in locating a home in this fantastic area in Virginia.

HIKING TRAILS: The region is a haven for nature enthusiasts, thanks to the wealth of natural hiking paths that can be found throughout the county, which provide magnificent landscapes and picturesque perspectives in the area. The Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Ridge Tunnel, and Blue Ridge Railway Trail are just a few of the well-known trails in the region that welcome not only expert hikers but also beginners and youngsters who are interested in hiking and nature-related activities.

HIGH-SPEED FIBER NETWORK: While many rural counties lack access to high-speed fiber-optic networks, Nelson County residents and businesses benefit from 38 miles of the high-speed transmission medium that runs through the heart of the county, providing high-speed internet to many businesses, residences, and institutions in the area. Companies looking to conduct business in the heart of breathtaking natural beauty will find Nelson County an excellent choice in Virginia. The county has become a destination for visitors to numerous breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries.

OUTDOOR RECREATION: Nelson County is an excellent destination for a relaxing vacation due to its ideal location among the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, fresh farm and orchard produce, breathtaking views, heritage landmarks, exquisite goods, skiing at Wintergreen Resort, and more. The county also boasts several award-winning wineries and breweries, idyllic dining places, comfortable lofts, bed and breakfasts, and other lodging options, making it an excellent place to enjoy and unwind from the bustling streets of the neighboring cities in Virginia.

Homes in Nelson

5 Real Estate Facts about Nelson County

  • The price range for properties in the county comes in at $120,000 to $5,000,000.
  • The residential dwellings in Nelson County are primarily single-family and detached homes many with spacious interiors and dedicated garage space.
  • Homes in Nelson County typically include a variety of architectural characteristics, including cabin, log, and custom designs as well as colonial, manor house, ranch/rambler, and Cape Cod styles. There are many historic homes throughout the country.
  • The bulk of the residences in the county is developed with two to ten bedrooms and two to eleven bathrooms configuration.
  • Homeowners can choose from expansive lots ranging in size from a modest 1 acre to nearly 800 acres.
Market Overview

Nelson Real Estate Information

MEDIAN HOME PRICE

$389,000

MEDIAN PRICE PER SQ FT

$210

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

57

MEDIAN PRICE OF SOLD HOMES

$365,000

HOME OWNERSHIP PERCENTAGE

76.4%

MEDIAN RENT

$2,500

On the map

Nelson Map

Nelson County has a land area of 474 square miles and is located within a 50-mile radius of Charlottesville on the city’s southwest section. The county is easily accessible via major thoroughfares such as Interstates 95 and 81 and State Route 29, which connects the region to a number of neighboring areas and cities in Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance and the Afton town, located near Nelson County and serves as the county’s northern border, are two notable sights in the area. Big Spy Mountain Overlook, White Rock Falls, and Wintergreen Resort are among the attractions that border Nelson County on the northwest side. James River State Park and Canoe Drop Point are among the attractions that border the county on the southern border end.

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Take the next step

Ready to take the next step?

It’s my good fortune to grow up in this beautiful region that has deep roots in American history. From an early age I’ve explored the gorgeous countryside of Central Virginia, often on the back of a horse. As a proud owner of a historic home, I’m particularly familiar with the quirks and charms of the older properties in our area. My experience with historic properties makes me especially qualified to assist you with the purchase or sale of one of these unique properties.

Meet the locals

Who Lives in Nelson County

Population

15,066

Median Age

51.4

Median Household Income

$64,313

Households

6,419

Average Household size

2.29

Cost of living

94.0

Entertainment

Things to do in Nelson

Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is comprised of a series of five large cascades and a handful of minor waterfalls that cascade a total of 1,200 feet over a rocky ledge. With only a few hundred feet between the upper parking lot and the first viewpoint, along a pleasant, paved walk, this is a good stopover for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Blackwater Creek Trail

A popular path in Nelson County, the Blackwater Creek Trail is one of the most visited trails in the county. This 3-mile paved track, which followed the twisting Blackwater Creek and was constructed along an abandoned railway bed, is ideal for jogging, walking, and riding. It runs through a beautiful urban forest and is connected at various spots with earthen trails that allow people to explore further into the forested area and appreciate the many plants and wildlife species that inhabit it. It is an excellent trail for families and groups of friends.

Humpback Rocks

Humpback Rocks is a historical site with breathtaking natural beauty and a plethora of hiking trails.

Mountain Cove Vineyards

In addition to growing a variety of grape varieties, Mountain Cove Vineyards is a pioneer in developing and manufacturing wine from Virginia-grown fruit. Mountain Cove Vineyards is Virginia's oldest winery. Picnics are welcome, and hiking on the Fortunes Cove Preserve, managed by the Nature Conservancy, is highly recommended. The facility is an excellent choice for a low-cost wedding or other outdoor gatherings.

Education

Schools in Nelson

School NameGradesAdmission
Rockfish River Elementary SchoolPK - 5Public
Nelson Middle School6 - 8Public
Nelson County High School9 - 12Public